Disney-How long before I book?

I'll clarify. What is the ideal time frame before actually going to Disney, that one should book? 4 months, 6 months, a year? Specifically, how fast do meal plan restaurants get booked? I'm sure it depends on the time of year that you go, right?

So let's say you want to go in the summer, when would it be advantageous to book a trip so that you actually get to eat where you want?

Message edited 11/14/2011 4:47:29 PM.

Re: Disney-How long before I book?

If you are going next year I would go ahead and book it now. Restaurants are booked at 180 days from your arrival date (up to 10 days of your trip). Obviously some restaurants book faster than others - summer I would expect to book quickly. Places like Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's castle, etc can book shortly after that 180 day release - or at least the best times book quickly.

If you don't get the restaurant you want keep trying. People cancel and times can open up that way.

I suggest you book now if you are going this summer and watch for discounts and if you book on your own (a TA should do this for you if you book with them) you simply call up WDW if you book on your own and they will adjust your package to the discount amount if a code comes out for the dates you are going.

Re: Disney-How long before I book?

We're already booking dining for clients who arrive at the end of May 2012 so if you're thinking Summer 2012, now's a good time to book!

There are no promotions past March 2012 right now but whenever a new promotion comes out, we check it against current reservations to see if we can save our clients some money or get them a better value.

When you register on the Disney World site, you can receive PINs by email or snail mail and those can help lower your cost as well.



Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008

Re: Disney-How long before I book?

if you know you are def going and where and when..Then I would book...It can't hurt..and if you get a better deal/promotion...you can call them up and they adjust the price...that is why I dont pay in full..I gave partial payments along the way!

I would also check what 180 days out from your first day and book dining then..they do go pretty quickly..I made most if not all the first thing in the morning of my -180 days til vaca! =)

Good luck!

Re: Disney-How long before I book?

Thank you!